Overview
With a deep and versatile command of real estate law, Reuben Asia brings a wealth of experience to every stage of the real estate life cycle — from acquisition and development to financing, leasing and final disposition. Trusted by developers, investors, landlords, tenants, lenders and borrowers alike, Reuben offers practical, solution-oriented counsel across a broad spectrum of asset classes, including retail, industrial, office, multifamily and hospitality. His practice is defined by a practical approach, seamlessly guiding clients through complex deals and regulatory challenges. Whether structuring multimillion-dollar loan transactions, negotiating leases or navigating Philadelphia’s intricate zoning landscape, Reuben is known for his strategic insight, measured judgment, and unwavering commitment to achieving client goals.
Acquisitions & Dispositions
Reuben has guided numerous clients through the property acquisition, development, and disposition processes, providing constructive legal advice to help them achieve their objectives. Whether it be the purchase of an office building, the development of an industrial facility, or the sale of a shopping center, he counsels clients from letter of intent through post-closing.
Real Estate Financing
A large portion of Reuben’s practice consists of representing lenders and borrowers with all aspects of their real estate financing needs. He is well versed in negotiating loan documents, spearheading the relevant due diligence, and guiding the parties to a smooth and successful loan closing. Moreover, he understands that the lending/borrowing relationship continues long after the loan closes, and clients appreciate his negotiation skills and sensible demeanor. His real estate financing experience includes a variety of loan types, including construction loans, bridge loans and permanent loans, and spans numerous asset classes, including multifamily, office, industrial, retail and hospitality.
Leasing
Reuben has significant experience representing landlords and tenants in leasing matters, particularly in the office and retail space. He understands the issues, provides practical guidance, and expeditiously brings the negotiations to closure.
Land Use & Zoning
He also advises clients on a range of zoning-related matters in the City of Philadelphia, helping them through the permitting, approvals, appeals and violation resolution processes.
Representative Experience
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Acquisitions & Dispositions
- Represented a national multifamily developer in the $25 million acquisition of real estate located in the downtown of a major East Coast city.
- Represented a national industrial developer in the $40 million sale of a 400,000 square foot industrial facility.
- Represented a national retailer in the acquisition of a 90-acre parcel adjacent to a well-known entertainment venue.
- Represented a publicly traded REIT in connection with the sales of numerous shopping malls and outparcels.
- Represented an insurance company with the sale of its hotel/conference center and associated golf course and clubhouse.
- Represented a prestigious university in connection with the acquisition of real estate directly adjacent to campus and the construction of a mixed-use building.
Financing
- Represented a REIT borrower in connection with its $200 million refinancing of a 50-story skyscraper in the heart of a major Midwest city.
- Represented a life insurance company in connection with its $255 million loan to the owner of a large multifamily/office/retail development anchored by prominent retail and office users.
- Represented a life insurance company in connection with its $115 million loan to the owner of a premier, upscale outlet mall.
- Represented an international bank in connection with its $65 million construction loan for a 301-unit multifamily property.
- Represented an international bank in connection with its $51.5 million construction loan for an upscale hotel development.
- Represented an international bank in connection with its $47 million construction loan for a medical office building.
- Represented a regional bank in connection with its $28 million construction loan for an industrial warehouse facility.
- Represented an institutional borrower in connection with its $100,000,000 construction loan for an industrial warehouse facility.
- Represented an institutional borrower in connection with its $46,000,000 construction loan for an industrial warehouse facility.
Leasing
- Represented an international retailer in connection with its leases for new and existing brand concepts across the country.
- Represented a national pharmacy in connection with the subleasing of excess store space.
- Represented an international beauty and personal care company in connection with a critical lease for a new R&D facility.
- Represented an international retail and home furnishings company in connection with its leasing of excess retail space.
- Represented a major communications company in connection with its leases for the nationwide expansion of its retail store concept.
- Represented a regional health system with the leasing of office space.
Land Use & Zoning
- Represented a national developer in connection with obtaining the requisite permits and approvals for the development of an industrial facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Represented a major communications company in connection with obtaining a variance for a new use and an addition at one of its communications facilities.
- Represented a regional childcare operator in connection with obtaining variances for new uses at its locations.
Prior Experience
Reuben grew up in Tucson, Arizona and attended The Gregory School (previously known as St. Gregory College Preparatory School), where he was a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball, and tennis). Before law school, he was an analyst in the Counter Narcotics Division at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C.
Personal Interests
Outside of the office, Reuben enjoys spending time with his family; reading fiction (both old and new), the news, and longreads; and trying to stay in shape. He currently lives in Center City Philadelphia, with his wife and three children.
Related Legal Services
Credentials
Bar Admissions
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif (2013)
University of Pennsylvania
B.A. cum laude (2008)
Insights & Events
Leadership & Community
Pro Bono
- Philadelphia VIP
- Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia
Professional Associations
- American College of Mortgage Attorneys — Fellow, 2025-present
- Philadelphia Bar Association, Real Property Section — Executive Committee Officer; Chair, 2020
Civic Activities
- Anti-Defamation League, Philadelphia Chapter – Board Member, 2018-present
Honors
- Best Lawyers®— “Ones to Watch,” Real Estate Law, 2023-25
This award is conferred by Best Lawyers. A description of the methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Chambers USA — Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds: Real Estate – 2021-25
This award is conferred by Chambers & Partners. A description of the methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2023
This award is conferred by Faegre Drinker. A description of the selection methodology is available here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
- Temple University Beasley School of Law – Jerry Zaslow Memorial Graduation Award; Richard J. Noonan Scholarship; Joseph W. Marshall Scholarship; Law Faculty Scholarship